INTEGRATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF IMPISHNESS: A FACTOR-ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study on impishness as a component of ludic competence, based on correlation and factor analysis data. The research sample consisted of 238 individuals aged 21 to 40, including 142 women and 96 men, accounting for 55% and 45%, respectively, of the total participants. The sample represents the period of youth and early adulthood. The study focuses on identifying key characteristics of impishness, such as emotional intelligence, creative flexibility, and self-sustaining humor. The research examined 13 diagnostic indicators with strong correlations, leading to the identification of three latent factors that reflect the multidimensional nature of this phenomenon.

The first factor, "Sensitive Emotional Intelligence", integrates the ability to understand and regulate emotions, display sensitivity, and use humor in social interactions. The second factor, "Creative Spontaneity and Humor", highlights creative flexibility, improvisation, and maneuverability through imagination, flirtation, and humor. The third factor, "Emotional Resilience and Self-Regulation", reflects the ability to maintain internal balance and adapt through self-sustaining humor.

The factor analysis results have significantly enriched the understanding of the psychological essence of the "Frolicsome Fellow" ludic position, aligning with existing theoretical, methodological, and empirical findings. Impishness is defined as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that integrates the ability to effectively navigate interpersonal conflicts by directing others' attention through the creation of self-challenging situations, maneuvering between social norms and taboos, and expressing oneself creatively through playful pranks, flirtation, and provocative actions. Impishness combines traits of emotional intelligence, creativity, and social flexibility, ensuring effective adaptation to diverse social situations.

The study findings confirm previous theoretical and methodological developments, providing a more comprehensive description of the psychological nature of the "Frolicsome Fellow" ludic position.